United by the mission and strategy of YMCA Vision 2030, YMCAs worldwide make a difference every day. From equipping young people and communities with skills for employment to supporting refugees, improving physical and mental health and developing innovative ways to protect our planet, our Movement is driving change.
We highlighted eight inspiring films showcasing this work at the YMCA Accelerator Summit in Mombasa, Kenya, held 21-25 October 2024.
We’ll be sharing these films with you starting now and over the coming weeks. We begin with the Ukrainian Refugee and Skilling Project.
Ukrainian Refugee and Skilling Project
Pillar: Meaningful Work
YMCAs: YMCA Europe with five YMCAs in Ukraine as well as Slovakia, Romania and Moldova
Project summary: Funded by the global YMCA network and private donors, since 2022 YMCA Europe has worked with the YMCAs of Ukraine, Slovakia, Romania, Moldova and other countries to support 396,000 people affected by the war in Ukraine.
The support has included first-hand assistance, skills and job training, digital literacy, and help with refugee community integration.
Key project features:
- Tailored Skill Development: Identify specific skills needed in the local job market
- Strategic Collaboration: Promote synergies, creating a more effective and sustainable skill development and employability model.
- Digital Literacy Integration: Emphasise digital literacy, providing participants with comprehensive skill sets for today’s workforce.
In their words:
“It’s very painful to hug your grandpa and your grandma and understand that it might be the last hug”. – an attendee of Camp Harmony, which supports the development of young people